
Job overview
Mental Health Support Worker, Young People
Ashton on Ribble, Preston
Must be a driver, with a current full UK licence, manual licence only, cannot accept provisional nor automatic. Must be willing to drive service car unsupervised.
£26227.50 - £27378.00 (Depending on experience)
Full time 37.5 hours per week
Shift patterns will include :
Early – 7am – 3.30pm
Late – 2pm – 10.30pm
Early/late- 8am-7.30pm/10am-9.30pm
You may be required to cover Waking Night shifts on occasions for holiday/absence reasons; Waking Night – 8.30pm – 7.30am
Main duties of the job
Essential requirements of a Healthcare Support Worker
- Flexibility - Your role will involve working shifts including weekends and Bank Holidays
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence - Not Automatic
- Must be able to attend training throughout employment which will be held on weekdays
- Good written skills and the ability to write basic reports and record information accurately
- Basic IT skills (Your role will involve some computer work, completing forms, using an online care system, and writing emails)
- Good verbal communication skills and the ability to listen to others
- An understanding of the issues around confidentiality
- An understanding of safeguarding
- A professional working boundary between staff and service users
- Ability to remain calm in emergencies, supporting others during difficult situations
Desirable Criteria of a Healthcare Support Worker
- NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent in Care
- Previous experience of working with young people who have mental health needs
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
At Care in Mind our homes are always a hub of activity and energy where the young people can feel safe, and our staff enjoy coming to work. Your role will involve working with our young people to promote independence through support with education, household tasks and general life skills. You will also update online care records and complete medication administration. In addition, you will be responsible for the general upkeep and tidiness of the home ensuring the young people live in homely environment.
At our home in Preston you will be working with young people who have a variety of mental health diagnoses including personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, those who have difficult relationships with food, and those who use self-harm as a strategy to cope with their emotions. This role requires patience, resilience, and compassion as you support our young people to navigate various challenges and develop new skills. When asked what qualities are the most important to them in a staff team, our young people have said they would like caring, honest, understanding, fun, and kind people to come and work with them. They love to learn new things and have a variety of hobbies and interests that they like to share with the team. They’re also an adventurous bunch who engage in a variety of activities such as going to the zoo, museums, outdoor sports, theme parks, and escape rooms to name a few. Our young people are working towards moving on positively from the home into the community and are developing skills that support their independence and autonomy.
As a Support Worker you will be helping them with things such as; getting back into education, building their social networks, using public transport, volunteering or looking at work opportunities, administering their own medication, learning how to cook, budget, and manage appointments independently. Every day at Willowhurst is different and brings exciting and engaging challenges, as well as positive and rewarding outcomes.
Florida House is a newly renovated 6-bed service located in Ashton-on-Ribble, the house is large and modern with spacious bedrooms and communal areas which includes a kitchen/dining area, two lounge areas, two bathrooms and one shower room. The house also has a fairly sized garden which is perfect for summer BBQs and outdoor games. It is a short drive or bus journey away from Preston Town Centre, there are also various local amenities such as Preston Railway Station; Preston Docklands including a cinema, shopping, food and beverage outlets; as well as local parks. The home is well cared for and staff and young people work together to make it homely and welcoming.
Previous care experience is not essential and full training will be provided. You will receive ongoing support and mentoring from our friendly residential and clinical team.
The job is highly rewarding and a great start to developing your career working with young people or enhancing your previous experience of mental health with the opportunity for excellent career development.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Able to work shifts (including weekends, bank holidays where required to complete any necessary training)
- Do you have Good verbal communication skills and the ability to listen to others?
- Will you be happy to drive the service car unsupervised?
Experience
Essential
- Do you have an understanding or experience of the issues young people face?
- Previous experience of working in a team
Qualifications
Desirable
- Do you have any formal qualifications in care?
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Do you have Good written communication skills and the ability to write basic reports and record information accurately?
- Do you have IT skills and the ability to write emails and use Microsoft office?
- Do you have a full UK Manual Licence - Not automatic nor provisional, must be willing to drive unsupervised?
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Mental Health Support Worker, Driver - Preston, 37.5 hrs per week with Care In Mind in Florida Residential Service. It is listed as a Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £26227.50 to £27378.00. The contract type is Permanent: Full Time. The application deadline is 30 Aug 2026.
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